2008 Fess Parker Ashley’s Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 14.3% alc., $22. Straw color in the glass.
Nicely appointed nose featuring scents of green apple, cinnamon spice, and a hint of toasty oak. Very tasty
essence of white stone fruits in a seamless style with a well-proportioned acid backbone. Very clean on the
finish, drawing the drinker to take another sip. California Chardonnay at its finest. Because of the name, wine
geeks may not take the winery seriously, but I am here to tell you that this is a label worth exploring for all its
varietals.

2008 Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 13.5% alc., 800 cases, $55. Light straw color and
clear in the glass. Demure scents of spiced apples and white peaches. The apple, peach, citrus and pear
flavors flood with mouth with flavor, but the wine has an appealing modesty. Slightly viscous in texture, there is
no oak intrusion, and bright acidity brings the fruit into focus. A very classy Chardonnay with modest alcohol
that adds to the appeal.

2008 Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 13.5% alc., 50 cases, $100.
Light golden straw color in the glass. Needs some coaxing to open in the glass, but over time offers an alluring
perfume of apple pan dowdy, Asian pear and buttered toast. Similar in flavor profile to the Sonoma Coast
bottling, but with added notes of roasted nuts, minerals and lemon zest. A sneaky wine that picks up intensity
and interest with swirling in the glass and provides a full-on explosion of flavor after 30 minutes. A subtle
creaminess and hi-tone acidity add to the appeal. Worth the tab for serious Chardonnay aficionados and in the
same class as other top producers of California Chardonnay such as Peter Michael, Littorai, Kistler, Hanzell
and Ramey.

2007 Hanzell Sonoma Valley Chardonnay 14.3% alc., 2,777 cases $70. One-third fermented in French oak
and two-thirds in stainless steel. Pale straw color in the glass. Delicate, yet complex aromatic profile that picks
up intensity with time in the glass to reveal scents of white peaches, crushed stones, toasted brioche and
lemon tart. This high-collared wine strikes a perfect balance between welcoming finesse and impressive
finishing strength and persistence. Smoothly textured with a well proportioned grip of acidity and a very
appealing underlying minerality. Flavors of golden apple, white stone fruits and subtle toast develop strength
and brilliance with air time. If you must open a bottle now, decant. A very classy wine that will hold its own
against many Grand Crus white Burgundies.

2007 LIOCO Demuth Vineyard Anderson Valley Chardonnay 13.8% alc., 225 cases, $35. Fermented in
stainless steel (no oak). Terrific aromatics flashing ripe pears, green apples, warm cookies and graham. The
flavors are reminiscent of a warm apple tart, with hints of apricot and toast. Smooth and creamy with a lively
citric acid lift on the back end. Fresh and very bright. I drank at least a case of this last year.

2007 Morlet Family Vineyards “Ma Douce” Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 360 cases, $70. Moderately deep
straw yellow color in the glass. Piercing aromas of lemon curd, yeast, roasted nuts and smoky oak. Plush and
luxurious on the palate, yet vibrant with acidity and minerality. Enticing flavors of white peach and buttered
brioche linger on the refreshing finish. A very impressive wine that will still pumping out bright flavor three days
later from an opened and re-corked bottle. Decant this wine if you pop the cork now. One of the greatest
California Chardonnays to cross my lips.

2007 Peirson-Meyer Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 14.4% alc., 450 cases, $55.
Moderately deep straw color in the glass. The aromas really come at you over time in the glass showing lemon
curd, creme brulee, vanilla wafer and wet stones. Flat-out delicious flavors of golden apple, pear, melon and
freshly buttered brioche that are palate staining and hang around on the finish for what seems like a minute.
Very smoothly textured with perfect integration of oak. This wine would make any Frenchman green with envy.
One of my favorite California Chardonnays, and the one I buy by the case and magnum when my wife isn’t
looking over my shoulder.